Front Yard Gardens: Growing More than Grass

Liz Primeau

Why we like it: Primeau begins her book with an interesting discussion of “why we mow” and how we came to accumulate 24 million acres of lawn in North America. She presents several alternatives to lawns that increase property values, provide wildlife foods, and increase sense of community. The color photos and species lists are thorough enough that every style of garden (e.g., cottage, formal, arid) can benefit from the included garden plans. Perhaps best of all, the author presents a case for building community through front-yard gardening: out with the imposing front lawns and in with fluid boundaries and inviting colorscapes!